German word

Gönner

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈgœnɐ/

Meaning

  • masculine nounpatron

Example

Die Gönner des Vereins haben geholfen.

The club's patrons have helped.

Illustration for Gönner (patron)

More examples

Viele Gönner halfen dem Museum mit Spenden.

Many patrons helped the museum with donations.

Core concept

A supporter keeps an organization supplied through continuing gifts, becoming part of its circle of backers.

Common phrases

  • ein wohlhabender Gönner

    a wealthy patron

  • als Gönner auftreten

    act as a patron

  • anonymer Gönner

    anonymous patron

Similar words

Sponsor: A backer who provides money or services in return for advertising or other benefits.
Förderer: A long-term backer who provides funding or advice for research or cultural projects.
Unterstützer: A person or group that supports a cause or idea with practical or moral help.
Spender: A donor who gives money or goods as a one-time contribution.

Definition in German

Jemand, der aus Wohlwollen oder Interesse wiederholt Unterstützung, meist in Form von Geld oder Sachleistungen, gewährt.

Word origin

Gönner is formed from gönnen with the agent suffix -er, and gönnen descends from the Old High German verb gunnan.

Usage tips

  • Gönner usually sounds more formal and personal than Sponsor, which can suggest commercial advertising.

Other meanings

  • supporternoun

Opposites

  • Gegneropponentnoun
  • Widersacheradversarynoun

Related words

  • Gönnerschaftpatronagenoun
  • gönnerischpatronizingadjective
  • Gönnerinpatronessnoun

Word lists with this word